That was very motivating! So much to think about. Cancer treatment from finish to end etc. This is amazing! I am thinking about becoming a PA-C in dermatology. This really helped.
Thanks for your great video. I used to really want to do plastics because i'm a highly visual person and I loved seeing the amazing before and after reconstructions, but derm is really growing on me because I honestly can't see myself going through surgical training and derm even allows you to do some minor surgeries so I would probably get my surgical fix. I didn't realise derm interfaces with so many specialties. Would you say there's any part of derm that interfaces with neurology?
That's a great question. We do sometimes, but not as much as other specialties like ID, rheum, allergy, etc. There is an increasing understanding of the neuro/derm overlap such as in small fiber neuropathy and erythromelalgia, so I expect that partnership to grow.
Thanks for posting such an excellent, informative video! I'm an MS3 with a basic science background in microbiology/immunology. Similar to your experience, I've gotten really interested in complex medical derm once I learned it was a thing! Is setting up a practice like this exclusive to academic centers in large cities? Or is it otherwise difficult to take this route after a standard derm residency? I've looked into Med-Derm programs, but there are only 5 of them! Also, how do you see the current ban on away rotations due to the pandemic affecting next year's application cycle?
Great questions! While I think it's easier to find a job like this at a large academic center, there are plenty of people who practice complex medical dermatology (which is doable after a standard dermatology residency) at smaller centers! I think what's key is mentorship. I'd look at the Medical Dermatology Society for guidance as it's full of likeminded folks (www.meddermsociety.org). As for away rotation bans, I think you'll be okay provided things get better from a COVID standpoint next year. That said, even if we're still dealing with all this, I suspect we'll have gone through the cycle once before and know more about how to trouble shoot it, so I wouldn't be worried about it!
Thanks for your great video! I'm a med student and want to read about dermatology to familiarize myself with the field. Can you recommend a book or article that you personally think is a good start?
I think VisualDx is a great resource (My COI is that I do education work for them). If you have free access through your school, it's a great place to look. If not, take a look at DermnetNZ that has a lot of good photos and info. But it doesn't have as much skin of color :(
Hey doctor. I am also thinking of taking it. But somewhere I have some love for surgery cuttings but because of long standing surgeries I can't take surgery because of health issues. I like studying about dermatology but how much surgical scope is there like u mentioned about treating skin cancers..! Please help me out
Sure! If you're just starting out, be open to anything. I thought I was going to be surgeon and ended up in derm and medicine, so you just never know. Otherwise, derm is all about immunology, so if that part of your preclinical curriculum is really exciting, definitely consider derm. If you can, try to shadow early just to see if it seems like something you'd like to do. Just some thoughts as you get started!
Thank you for the great video! I am strongly interested in dermatology, but I'm at an osteopathic medical school. Will being a DO applicant make me less competitive for dermatology residency?
There are osteopathic derm programs you could consider too! Traditionally, it's unfortunately harder to get into an allopathic program. Still possible, just harder.
Hello doctor, I am an IMG and i want to do residency in dermatology and nothing else, is it really possible for an IMG to get matched for dermatology in the states, if yes can you please give some insight about it.... Thank you
Yes, it's possible for sure. Most successful IMG applicants do quite a bit of research with a lab in the states first as that helps you get letters from known faculty members, and often sets you up with a really great mentorship structure. Good luck!
M-F, just depends on what kind of work. I see patients two days a week always, but sometimes see patients every day depending on the schedule. If I'm not seeing patients I'm always busy with research, teaching, or administrative work.
